Image Credits: Sky News
The family of William Chapman, who was mauled to death after entering a Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger enclosure, have issued a statement describing him as “bright, warm and engaging.”
They said they were “utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
“William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved and William loved them back.”
His family has stated that 24-year-old Mr Chapman suffered from “significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.”
They further said “it will be the coroner to decide what part this played in his death,” and asked people to respect that process.
The family went on to criticise the widespread distribution of the tragedy and asked for privacy.
They said: “The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.”
Mr Chapman was a former pupil of the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe.
Today, the school issued a statement expressing their condolences to his community.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us.
“It was a privilege to be a part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“William will be truly missed, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Mr Chapman was a child actor, appearing in the ITV production May Contain Nuts as Alfie Chaplin and also enacted Edward Jenner in the BBC series True Stories.